There are already plenty of reasons why people want to visit Ireland, and the tourism industry here is healthy, for the time being. However, times are changing, and it’s always a good idea to think about how new opportunities can be seized and overseas arrival figures boosted further.
With the online bingo industry-leading a resurgence in interest in the random ball draw, Ireland could seek to promote itself as a place for bingo tourism. There are a couple of places in the country that already have a few halls and could potentially become destinations for people wanting to play the game while on holiday.
Bingo is Firmly Back in the Mainstream
The internet age has brought many an unconventional success story, and bingo is up there with the most dramatic of them. The online version of the game is now so popular that it comes with all sorts of extra additions alongside the traditional draw.
The Slingo games at Paddy Power are great examples of how developers are creating a wide range of games to appeal to more players. Titles like Slingo Full House, Slingo Press Your Luck, and Slingo Day of the Dab cover a multitude of genres, meaning that it’s easier for people to find something that they’re interested in.
With online bingo making the game more accessible to various different demographics, it has led to a resurgence of the offering in the real world too. More people than ever are frequenting bingo halls, many of which have been modernised for people who first discovered the game online.
Adding Another String to Ireland’s Bow
According to a piece in the Irish Times, there’s been an 8.5 per cent increase in tourism in 2024. Counteracting this however is the fact that tourists are also spending less overall time in the country. This could suggest that Ireland should try to offer more activities to get people to hang around for longer.
There are already plenty of attractions that make the country a desirable destination for visitors. Along with the amazing sites, people love coming for the iconic culture and friendly people. An added abundance of bingo could lend another string to Ireland’s bow and give people another reason to visit the country.
Which Areas Could Be Bingo Hotspots?
Dublin currently has the highest concentration of bingo halls in Ireland, with four to choose from in the capital. This is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination already, so advertising bingo as an extra activity for tourists to enjoy could encourage more people to visit.
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Limerick also has a few bingo halls, and the region could use this to stand out from other destinations. There are a few great things to see in Limerick listed by Discover Ireland, such as King John’s Castle and Thomond Park. Promoting bingo locations in the area might be a way to turn what could have been day trips into an overnight affair.
With tourism being such a vital contributor to Ireland’s economy, the country should always be seeking ways to boost it. It may therefore be wise to tap into the growing popularity of bingo and turn some areas of Ireland into more viable long-haul holiday destinations.